The next phase of the implementation of East West Rail has been revealed, as the project has confirmed it is exploring an expansion of the proposed frequency of trains from three or four per hour to five.

One of Britain’s most significant transport projects; East West Rail forms a key part of the Government’s Plan for Change, aiming to unlock 6.7 billion GBP of regional economic growth by 2050 with the construction of up to 100,000 new homes and support of tens of thousands of new jobs along the route.

An East West Rail test train

© Network Rail

Following consultation with local communities, the project along the Oxford to Cambridge corridor is now exploring a number of transformative plans, including increased service frequency, which could provide up to 70% more seating across the route and ease overcrowding.

Several route improvements have also been confirmed, including new entrances at stations such as Bletchley, Cambridge and Bedford, as well as the construction of four new stations along the Marston Vale Line, which currently sees some of the lowest usage in the country.

A new station at Stewartby has also been confirmed to not only serve the line but also provide services for the newly-announced Universal Theme Park, which is set to add nearly 50 billion GBP to the economy by 2055 and welcome more than 8.5 million visitors in its first year.

Other plans include the construction of seven new stations, as well as the introduction of new hybrid battery-electric trains along the partially electrified route.º

David Hughes, CEO, East West Railway Company, said:

These updates reflect our commitment to listening to communities while designing a railway that delivers long-term benefits for the region. Our latest proposals better reflect what matters most to people and will deliver better outcomes for passengers, local communities and the environment.

From a new station at Cambridge East to better access in Oxford and clear alignment through Tempsford, East West Rail is shaping the modern, sustainable transport link this region needs to thrive.

Further improvements to the project include a new Cambridge East Station, which will be constructed in addition to a new eastern entrance at Cambridge Central.

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